By ANNA BEAULIEU -- Ian Robb is going for the gold, but it may take him a few years. Robb, 15 from Warwick, has taken on the Congressional Award challenge...
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
Ian Robb is going for the gold, but it may take him a few years.
Robb, 15 from Warwick, has taken on the Congressional Award challenge. The Congressional Award was established to acknowledge initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Robb has earned his silver certificate, and is working to earn his bronze medal and then eventually his gold medal. Last year, 373 youth from across 39 states were recognized at the 2017 Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.C. Two of the 2017 medallists were from Rhode Island.
To earn the awards, Robb must set goals and complete a number of hours in the following areas: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration.
Robb has been home schooled his entire life. However, he has already began taking some classes at Bristol Community College. He is in his second semester now and taking history courses, but plans on taking many more classes next semester. Robb began this endeavor about a year ago last April, when his mother suggested the award to him. Robb was already active in many aspects of this challenge, so when his mother introduced him to it he knew it would be a great fit. Before beginning this challenge, Robb selected an advisor whom he would work with throughout the experience. Robb chose Christopher LaRoux, director of the Warwick Public Library. Robb did not know LaRoux prior to the challenge, but they have since then developed a good relationship.
LaRoux said, “this is a wonderful program, and he is honored to do this with him.” LaRoux also noted that Robb is “hardworking and really bright: an all-round nice kid. I really see him going somewhere.”
Robb volunteers in the Military Lounge at T.F. Green Airport. “It’s interesting being there because you get to hear the veterans’ stories.” Being a history lover, these first-hand stories really fascinate him. To earn the silver certificate, Robb completed 60 hours of service. He must complete 340 more hours over the course of 24 months to finally reach his gold medal. Robb has been learning Japanese for about three years, and is continuing as part of his personal development. He has also incorporated public speaking into this goal. He has completed 30 hours, and will work his way to complete 170 more over the course of 24 months to reach the gold medal.
Robb is active in karate. He has been doing karate for about 8 years, and has completed the 30 hours to earn his silver certificate and will complete 170 more over the course of 24 months before earning his gold medal. In September, Robb visited New York City. It was required that he plan the entire trip on his own, down to every detail. He was there for two nights and three days with his parents. He visited the 9-11 Museum and went to the Maker Faire in Brooklyn.
The most challenging part of the trip for Robb was understanding how the subway system works, he also admitted that “he didn't know how hard it was to pick hotels until then!” Reflecting on this trip, Robb concluded that “this trip has taught me many life lessons and I have grown as a person from this experience.” He will eventually plan a four-night trip to achieve his gold medal.
After completion of the goals in the four areas, Robb filled out his Record Book and had the pages signed off by LaRoux. He had to record all he did and describe how each activity helped him; he then got each thing validated. Robb mailed all of the materials in January, and received the award in the mail a few weeks later. Through the experience of earning his silver certificate, Robb said it “has helped me become more responsible.” He has learned the importance of actually getting things done, and not putting them off. In purist of the bronze and gold medals, Robb looks forward to the satisfaction of completing all of the requirements and being able to say “I did it!”
Robb is no stranger to the Beacon readers.
He has won Pokemon tournaments across the country. Robb definitely has not put that aside; he still remains one of the top-ranked people in the United States for the Pokemon Trading Card Game.
In his time competing, Robb has earned almost $20,000 in scholarship funds. Robb traveled to Europe last year for a competition and is scheduled to travel to Brazil next month, in hopes of a victory and more scholarship money.
Robb is unsure of his plans for the future; he wants to keep his options open. If he had to choose now, he said he would be interested in studying politics at a higher education; politics is something he is passionate about.
8 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
richardcorrente
On Friday, March 30th, the Friends of Warwick Ponds met at the Airport for an important meeting regarding Warwick Pond. I am a proud member of that organization and the meeting was very productive. Afterwards I walked over to the military lounge and I met Ian Robb, who expressed an interest in local politics. I explained my candidacy for Mayor of Warwick and that sparked about thirty intelligent questions from him. I left that impromptu conversation with a great respect for him. I remember saying to myself "And he's only fifteen?!" I will keep in touch with him and watch him grow into an obvious leader in Warwick.
I look forward to many more articles about his successes.
Happy Spring Ian.
Happy Spring everyone.
Rick Corrente
The Taxpayers mayor
Thursday, April 5, 2018 Report this
CrickeeRaven
The fake "mayor" uses "I" seven times in his comment and also manages to make it a blatantly political statement by promoting his soon-to-fail candidacy.
Given his inability to make factual statements, it is a certainty that the fake "mayor" left Ian asking the same question that many commenters on this site have asked: "How can someone so dishonest think he could be a serious candidate for office?"
Thursday, April 5, 2018 Report this
Norm88
Robb,
Congratulations on your achievements !!! Please do not let the other 2 adults commenting here take anything away from the hard work you have put in…
Friday, April 6, 2018 Report this
CrickeeRaven
His name is Ian, Norm88. Failing to get the facts correct takes away from the hard work you did on your comment.
Friday, April 6, 2018 Report this
Norm88
Sorry Ian for getting your name incorrect I was to enraged by the lack of respect and class shown by these two.......Best of luck to you Ian and again sorry for the lack of class shown by supposed adults both using your accomplishments to further there agendas
Friday, April 6, 2018 Report this
CrickeeRaven
Are you sorry for misspelling "their," too, Norm? And for scolding other commenters, which has been your agenda?
Friday, April 6, 2018 Report this
Justanidiot
its nice that a congressional meddle of honors winner like master mayer shares sum time telling the next generations of his deeds
Monday, April 9, 2018 Report this
richardcorrente
Dear Justanidiot,
Thank you for your kind words but I am not even in their league. The Congressional Medal of Honor is for "bravery in combat at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." I never was in the military although I was 1-A for about a year and a half during the Viet Nam era but it was as the war was winding down and I was never activated.
I don't think I have the courage to accomplish what those medal recipients did. Several of my high school friends went and not all came home. One helicopter pilot friend survived three helicopter crashes without a scratch. I believe he received the silver star.
Happy Spring old friend.
Happy Spring everyone.
Rick Corrente
The Taxpayers Mayor
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Report this